President Obama Says He Has Been Called The First Jewish President

On Friday, President Obama spoke at a Jewish American Heritage Month celebration being held at the Adas Israel synagogue in Washington, D.C. While wearing a yarmulke, Obama cited his two Jewish former chiefs of staff, saying he has been called America’s “first Jewish president” by Jeffrey Goldberg, who recently interviewed him for The Atlantic.

Earlier this week, I was actually interviewed by one of your members, Jeff Goldberg. Jeff reminded me he once called me the first Jewish president. Now, since some people still seem to be wondering about my faith, I should make clear this is an honorary title, but I was flattered. And as an honorary member of the tribe not to mention somebody who has hosted 7 White House seders and has been advised by [applause] — and been advised by two Jewish chiefs of staff, I can also say that I am probably getting a little bit of the hang of the lingo.